Quinn-Direct: How to Find a Good Driving Instructor and Avoid the Cowboys!

LONDON, September 7, 2010 - Looking through the Yellow Pages for a driving instructor can be a
difficult task. What should I be looking for? How much should I pay? How many
lessons will I need? If this is you, then fret no further. In order to make
it easier for you to find an appropriate Approved Driving Instructor, we at
Quinn-Direct (www.quinn-direct.co.uk/) have put together this handy
guide.

Qualifications

The Driving Instructor should be a full ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)
and should have a green octagonal DSA badge on the windscreen of his/her car.
The Driving Standards Agency checks and approves all ADIs who must meet the
following criteria:

    - Hold a drivers licence for a minimum of four years.
    - Pass a very strict driving test.
    - Pass a far more stringent theory test.
    - Be registered with the DSA.
    - Display the ADI identification certificate on their windscreen.
    - Have reached and kept-up a high standard of instruction.

Check what grade the DSA has given the instructor. For example, grade 4
means competent; whereas grade 6 means that the instructor is of a very high
standard. Ask how long the instructor has been teaching learner drivers and
find out his/her first time pass rate. All driving instructors also have a
different type of car insurance (www.quinn-direct.co.uk/car-insurance/
) that covers anybody as long as they hold a provisional license.

Cost

The cost of your lessons and how you pay for it is very important.
Different driving instructors/schools have different arrangements and some
have special offers. As always, it is good to shop around. When looking
around, be sure to ask the following questions:

    - How long are the lessons?
    - How much is each lesson?
    - Can you buy lessons in a block at discount?
    - Can you have a discounted try-out lesson?
    - Will you get software or books to help pass your theory test?

The Car

When you learn with a driving instructor, you will be using their car and
it is important that you are comfortable with it and its features. When you
are shopping around for an instructor, make sure you ask the following
questions about his/her car:

    - What model of car is it?
    - How old is the car?
    - Does the car have dual controls?
    - If you plan only to drive a vehicle with an automatic gearbox, is
      there a suitable car to learn in?
    - Can the car seat and steering column be adjusted to suit you?
      This is useful if you are especially tall or short.
    - Does the car have air bags and side impact protection?

Lesson Arrangements

You should be able to find a driving instructor that is reliable and
punctual, in addition to all the points we have covered above. However, you
may want to ask the following questions about the way they arrange their
lessons:

    - Will the instructor be able to pick you up and drop you off
      at a place that is convenient for you?
    - Will the lesson be solely allocated to you or will you have to
      pick up/drop off another pupil during your time with the instructor?
    - Does the instructor smoke in the vehicle? This may bother you if
      you are a non-smoker or an asthmatic.
    - Is the instructor able to speak in a clear and understandable
      way?

Finally, ask if the instructor offers the Pass Plus scheme. Pass Plus has
been introduced by DSA to enable newly passed drivers to take advanced
driving lessons should they wish to. Although the Pass Plus is not
compulsory, some car insurance providers (such as Quinn-Direct) offer a small
discount for new drivers that have also taken the Pass Plus scheme and
therefore its worth having the option with the instructor if you did consider
it.

By following this guide and asking the questions in it, you should be
able to gain a good idea of what each instructor is like and whether he/she
is suitable for you. Remember to shop around and take heed of recommendations
from friends and family to help you in the selection process.

Good luck and enjoy your lessons!

Contacts: Carrie Greene, 20:20, T: +44(0)117-930-8820

Contacts: Carrie Greene, 20:20, T: +44(0)117-930-8820